Data is collected by LPD from a wide range of open and closed sources, analysed, and processed onto a database by the Int Cell.

LPD collates information from its own ground teams, local national staff, and contact network, as well as from client personnel movements, security forces, diplomatic and intelligence agency sources, and open source information.

Clients access a server-based link to the ISTAR Portal, which displays in Google Earth™ in parallel to existing Blue Force Tracking systems such as Track24™; or which can be viewed on a stand-alone basis via the secure area of this website.

For full functionality, including live alerts of threat reporting to ground teams and Ops Rooms, clients can use LPD’s existing geo-fence boundaries or define their own boundaries.

ISTAR Portal works seamlessly on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices - requiring only download of the Google Earth software, and a license subscription to LPD's ISTAR services.

Due to the differences in screen size and user interface between mobile devices and traditional computers, some aspects of ISTAR are accessed differently on mobile devices; but mobile devices have access to all content and functionality via 3G or WiFi.

ISTAR Portal integrates seamlessly with common Blue-Force Tracking systems such as Track24 or Spot. In the unlikely event that a client's existing tracking systems are not compatible with ISTAR, the system nevertheless adds considerable value in operations planning and intelligence gathering.

ISTAR Portal provides a graphical display of threat information, including area-based risk assessments, and location and nature of previous incidents.

The system allows users on mobile devices or desktop / laptop computers to view the current analysis of any area. Any change to the threat rating is updated by the LPD Int Cell and pushed to client systems within 30 seconds of being logged by LPD.

Combined with many Blue-Force Tracking systems, the area boundaries and/or routes can be defined a "geo-fences", causing an automatic alert for any assets straying into an out-of-bounds area or caught in an area that suddenly becomes non-permissive.

Incident reports relating to past security incidents can be viewed directly from within the ISTAR Portal - allowing ground teams to plan their routes based on existing threat data and a background knowledge of historical threat trends.

Additional detailed information is available, and is continually updated by LPD ground teams - including the locations of key local facilities, government offices, embassies, and international organisations.

Details of friendly security forces locations are logged, including emergency services, to assist in pinpoint direction of emergency response teams in case of need.

Combined with Blue-Force Tracking systems, the nearest first responders can be notified of an incident and vectored to the exact location.